Andy Wood

Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
William Penn, 1693

Obituary

Andy was born in Manchester, where he grew up with his parents, Betty and Robert, and his older brother, John. He spent most of his adult life on the Wirral, which became home.

In 1980, he married Frankie, and together they built a life and family. He was a much-loved father to Nick, Emily and Becca.

Andy was creative by nature, with a love of drawing and writing. In his twenties he was part of the Christian folk band Reynard, where he sang and taught himself the tin whistle. Creativity remained central to his life: he went on to publish two novels and wrote several books on local history, particularly exploring the lost canals of England.

He began his career as an art teacher before moving into communications and marketing with the Nugent Care Society. After taking early retirement, he was able to spend more time doing what he most enjoyed, writing and researching.

A Quaker, Andy believed in kindness, openness and equality, and he tried to live those values in a quiet, thoughtful way. He was soft-hearted, with a particular affection for animals. Despite some early doubts, he ended up sharing his home with four cats - Sebastian, Tessie, Tinker and Cassie -and four dogs - Buster, Pippin, Bramley and Bella.

He had a playful, often mischievous sense of humour, and a habit of slipping into accents and voices, including the much-remembered “Luigi,” who made regular appearances at children’s parties. He enjoyed simple comforts, including watching Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, and spending time on the canal. He was perhaps happiest at the tiller of Autolycus, a narrowboat generously lent each summer by friends.

Andy lived for many years with serious health challenges, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes and, later, Alzheimer’s disease. He also experienced periods of mental ill health, something that was not always visible to those who knew him for his warmth and humour. Life with Andy was not always straightforward, but it was rarely dull, and often full of affection, creativity and laughter.

He is remembered with love as a husband, father, writer and artist, and for his kindness, humour and originality.

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